I previously used Nova and finally moved to the open source side with Kvaesitso. I didn’t like using a search focused launcher at first, but I decided to try and use it for a few months to get used to it. What I’ve found is that:

  • I barely ever scroll down into the widgets menu and so I don’t make use to widgets as much as I’d like to
  • Even after carefully setting up the search settings, I find it unintuitive and prefer to use specific apps for specific tasks
  • I like having apps sorted by tags, but the tiny moving pill shape icons aren’t as nice as if I had folders on my desktop

The biggest problem now is that Kvaesitso is draining my battery for some reason. Battery usage says that it used 27% of my battery today.

I think I gave it a fair shot, and I’d like to try something new.

    • Mx. Nichole@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      0·
      11 days ago

      …FINE… guess I’m going to try Niagara again because this looks so clean. … But i’m not happy about it. (they type from a samsung, JKJK this looks dope and yeah ima give it another go)

    • fixmycode@feddit.clEnglish
      0·
      10 days ago

      Niagara user here, I think it’s worth every penny, and it’s so cheap, and the developer is very receptive. It’s a very simple purchase.

    • amorpheus@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      10 days ago

      I’ve tried it but it doesn’t click for me. I can be more efficient with a normal launcher.

      Niagara Launcher did teach me how to improve my setup: if something isn’t important enough to be on the one and only home screen, it goes in the drawer. No more arranging folders for apps I rarely use.

    • chrisbit@leminal.spaceEnglish
      0·
      11 days ago

      Also been using it for years. Love the unique interface. Wish they’d do more substantial updates than those seasonal icon packs though, especially given the amount of income they must have from subscriptions.

      • themoonisacheese@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        0·
        11 days ago

        I bought a lifetime license because I definitely do not need another subscription in my life but tbh the free version is completely fine

  • WeAreAllOne@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    0·
    12 days ago

    I used Lawncher for like a year and now I’m giving μlauncher a go. The latter is more stress free and one has to fight initially with muscle memory until they’re get it right. I think I’m gonna keep using μlauncher for a while.

    • timbuck2themoon@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      0·
      12 days ago

      Stumbled across this the other day. Very interesting and a ton of gestures. Debating using it more. It is very lightweight and no frills appearance wise.

  • Jakeroxs@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    10 days ago

    I’m currently trying fast draw, it was in fdroid 🤷‍♂️

    Kinda like smart launcher where you set up categories along the bottom, can select a widget at the top. I miss being able to search for a specific app but it’s usable.

  • kratoz29@lemmy.zipEnglish
    0·
    10 days ago

    I use whatever the stock launcher of the ROM is…

    I am a full screen gestures user and for me the 3rd party launchers are broken since A12, or probably before that, even with usage of the GestureNavContract API they are still not smooth enough for me…

    With that said, if you are rooted you can get away from that limitation with Lawnchair and quickSwitch, or if you use navigation buttons you are gold with almost all the launchers I’d say.

  • SecretSauces@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    10 days ago

    I’m still using Nova as it’s so feature-rich. I’ve had 0 problems with it, but I had no idea people were dropping it. Also had no idea it for bought out either, so maybe it’s time to look into using another launcher instead…

    • Lemminary@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      10 days ago

      I’m also on Nova for now, but I disabled the updates. You can never be too sure once a project changes hands like that.

      • mirisgaiss@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        10 days ago

        I really like nova, I just want customized icons with no text, which for some reason nothing else will do. search based is pointless to me, I barely have one screen of apps… nova is fine for this but I did block it from all network connections after the sale happened

    • HornedMeatBeast@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      12 days ago

      Same, also a Nova refugee using Lawnchair.

      One thing I don’t like though, is if you change the homescreen grid size it destroys everything and you have to start over with your homesdreen icons.

    • Pika@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      0·
      12 days ago

      I second this, just be sure to backup your settings if you upgrade, it likes to forget things on upgrades I’ve noticed.

      • BestBouclettes@jlai.luEnglish
        0·
        12 days ago

        I think it’s been bought by a shitty spyware company who swore that they will not be mining your data. I bought it many years ago and that made me switch to Kvaesitso.

        • Ganbat@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
          0·
          12 days ago

          Development of Nova went to shit after it was bought out, too. I dropped it when some major bug I now forget the details of was introduced and my reports went ignored for a full year.

          • foggenbooty@lemmy.worldEnglish
            0·
            11 days ago

            I still have it and I can’t get off it because my whole flow depends on a feature that no other launcher seems to have.

            I have all my apps in folders, but the folders when tapped will launch the first app in the folder. If I swipe up on them the folder opens.

            So for exameple I have what looks like a Camera icon. If I tap it Camera opens as expected, but if I swipe up on it all my photo related apps are there. It allows me to keep a simple easy to use home screen but when all my apps grouped underneath. It’s awesome and the best feature Nova ever made.

  • Crewman@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    0·
    12 days ago

    I like Smart Launcher. It’s freemium, but I think the paid version is really nice.

    • Phen@lemmy.eco.brEnglish
      0·
      12 days ago

      My ideal launcher would be a mix of Smart Launcher with the addition of the app list from Niagara.

      • Crewman@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        0·
        11 days ago

        Never heard of Niagara, I’ll have to check that out, as I like the Smart Launcher app drawer.

    • lime!@feddit.nuEnglish
      0·
      12 days ago

      i’ve been on smart launcher since checks purchase history 2013, and while it’s still the best ux i’ve found, they have been doing some scummy shit over the years, like move features from the paid version into “content packs” that cost extra.

  • yahiroz@piefed.socialEnglish
    0·
    11 days ago

    Niagara, but I’ve also been trying out Octopi every now and then, it’s still in beta and there are certain features missing but it feels like it has potential to fully replace Nova.

  • limerod@reddthat.comMEnglish
    0·
    12 days ago

    Have you considered reporting the battery drain issue to the Kvaesitso devs? They could fix it if it can be reproduced.